In an unprecedented show of solidarity with Axl, everyone in America, except estranged GNR guitarists Slash and Buckethead, will receive a free can of Dr Pepper if the album ships some time -- anytime! -- in 2008. Dr Pepper supports Axl, and fully understands that sometimes you have to make it through the jungle before you get it right.

"It took a little patience to perfect Dr Pepper’s special mix of 23 ingredients, which our fans have come to know and love,” said Jaxie Alt, director of marketing for Dr Pepper. “So we completely understand and empathize with Axl's quest for perfection – for something more than the average album. We know once it's released, people will refer to it as "Dr Pepper for the ears" because it will be such a refreshing blend of rich, bold sounds - an instant classic.”

Something tells me that they'll have a stockpile of soda left, but hey, what do I know? This could be an April Fool's Joke early, but stranger things have happened. The biggest joke is how Axl has flamboozled several major labels out of millions of dollars over the past decade and a half for an as of yet unreleased (except for supposed leaks) album.

UPDATED : This does in fact, appear to be true, as I received this reply from Mr Kooluris today in response to my query :